View as WebpageApril 2025 Newsletter

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Amanda,

My Journey Attending an HBCU

Why Black Colleges Were Created

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were established in the early to mid-19th century as a response to the systemic exclusion of Black individuals from higher education.

Following the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, the need for educational institutions that catered specifically to the Black community became critical. HBCUs provided access to education,

which was often denied to Black people at predominantly white institutions due to racial discrimination and segregation. These colleges and universities were founded to empower Black students, cultivate leadership, and foster a sense of community, all while preserving and promoting Black culture and heritage. 

Why They Matter Now



HBCUs continue to play a vital role in today's society. They not only provide quality education to thousands of Black students but also contribute significantly to the social and economic mobility of their graduates. HBCUs are known for their nurturing environments, which foster personal and academic growth, and they produce a disproportionate number of Black professionals in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, and education. Furthermore, HBCUs serve as cultural hubs, celebrating Black history and identity while promoting diversity and inclusion. In a time when racial inequities persist, the importance of HBCUs in shaping future leaders and advocating for social justice cannot be overstated. 

Why They’re Under Attack



Despite their significant contributions, HBCUs face numerous challenges today. Funding disparities, political opposition, and the ongoing effects of systemic racism threaten their existence. Some policymakers and institutions question the relevance of HBCUs in an increasingly diverse society, arguing for a focus on predominantly white institutions instead. This narrative undermines the unique value that HBCUs provide and ignores the systemic barriers that still affect Black students. Additionally, efforts to consolidate or dismantle HBCUs under the guise of efficiency can severely undermine the educational opportunities and cultural significance these institutions offer. 

My Personal Experience at an HCBU



Attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) was a pivotal decision in my life, one shaped by the rich tapestry of experiences and role models that surrounded me during my formative years growing up in poverty in South Central Los Angeles and North Philadelphia. Growing up in these vibrant yet challenging environments, I was fortunate to be influenced by a multitude of educators and community leaders. Figures like Mayor Tom Bradley, who was the first Black Mayor of Los Angeles, and Coach George Raveling of the University of Southern California Men’s Basketball team, who educated me on civil rights, instilled in me a sense of purpose and potential. They, along with the Black church community in Philadelphia, which was filled with HBCU alumni, created a profound awareness of the importance of education and empowerment within my cultural context. 

By the time I entered Olney High School in 1986, the legacy of HBCUs was firmly planted in my consciousness, especially the impactful histories of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois—both of whom were products of these institutions. In 1990, I took a significant step toward my future by enrolling at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. This choice was not just about pursuing an education; it was about stepping into a sanctuary that offered protection against the backdrop of systemic racism and societal challenges that Black students often faced.

In today's era of heightened hate, confusion, and chaos, the relevance of HBCUs remains profound. These institutions are more than just places of learning; they are bastions of Black culture, history, and resilience. HBCUs celebrate Black beauty and diversity, fostering an environment where students can embrace their identities fully. They provide a unique opportunity for Black students, and indeed all students, to engage in a community that values their experiences and cultivates their voices. In an increasingly polarized society, the importance of understanding and appreciating diversity cannot be overstated.

HBCUs actively promote not just racial diversity, but also a broader understanding of global perspectives. My experience at Johnson C. Smith University included a diverse array of faculty—from white, Asian, and African professors—who brought varied viewpoints and expertise to the classroom. This diversity enriched my education, challenging me to think critically and expansively about the world around me.

As we navigate a landscape riddled with division and social strife at this very moment, I urge Black students and students of all backgrounds to consider the HBCU experience. These institutions provide not only a quality education but also a supportive community that nurtures self-identity, leadership, and social responsibility. They are places where students can dream boldly, learn deeply, and emerge ready to challenge the status quo and contribute positively to society.

My journey through HBCU life has equipped me with the tools to face the world with confidence and clarity, instilling in me a profound sense of pride in my heritage and the power of community. In a time when the world often seems divided, HBCUs stand as beacons of hope and unity, ready to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape a brighter future for all. Nevertheless, due to the attacks there must be a call to action.

Call to Action



It is imperative that we collectively work to protect and support HBCUs. We must raise awareness about their importance and advocate for equitable funding and resources. Community members, alumni, and allies should engage in efforts to promote HBCUs, whether through mentorship, financial support, or by challenging narratives that seek to diminish their value. By standing together, we can ensure that HBCUs continue to thrive and fulfill their mission of empowering future generations. Let us not allow these institutions, which are so crucial to our history and future, to be dismantled. Now is the time to act—support HBCUs and champion their place in our educational landscape for years to come.

Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW

Executive Director

2023-2024 Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Annual Report

The 2023-2024 Annual Report is now available. The PHRC is required by state law to release an annual report by March 31 of each year. The report includes statistics about the type and number of discrimination complaints filed in Pennsylvania each year, legal orders issued, information about promoting equal opportunity and information about enforcing non-discrimination laws.

"The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission continues to be a vital force in protecting civil rights and ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to live, work, and learn free from discrimination,” said PHRC Chair Joel Bolstein, esq. “The 2024 Annual Report reflects our unwavering commitment to enforcing state laws, addressing complaints, and advancing education through outreach initiatives and training. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to strengthening partnerships and fostering a more inclusive and equitable Pennsylvania for all."

PHRC was created in 1955 and enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination. These state laws include:

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), which covers discrimination in employment, housing, commercial property, education, and public accommodations.
• Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act (PFEOA), which is specific to postsecondary education and secondary vocational and trade schools.

The PHRC administrative, legal, and investigative staff is led by an Executive Director in Harrisburg and Regional Directors in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Eleven Commissioners, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate, act as public liaisons, establish policies, and resolve some cases that are not settled voluntarily.

In 2024, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission launched a dedicated Civil Rights Outreach Division. The division addresses civil tensions, conflicts, and incidents; and promotes anti-racism through education and outreach.

"The PHRC remains steadfast in our mission to eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all Pennsylvanians,” said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. “The 2024 Annual Report highlights the progress we have made, the challenges we continue to face, and the critical work ahead. In 2024, with the launch of our Civil Rights Outreach Division, we expanded our efforts to address civil tensions and promote anti-racism through education and advocacy. We urge all Pennsylvanians to stand with us in fostering a more just and inclusive Commonwealth."

Planning for Fair Housing Success

Brittany Mellinger

Fair Housing Outreach Coordinator

If you fail to plan; plan to fail. As with many pithy sayings, it feels a little cheesy, but holds an annoyingly substantial amount of truth. If we want to create a solution, we first need to invest the time into understanding the scope of a problem, who it’s impacting, who the partners are, and how to move forward in a way that maximizes collaboration and respective strengths.  A good plan does not emerge from the ether.

Fair housing planning happens in communities across the United States. Through this process, we look realistically at the housing in our communities – how much do we have, who is renting and owning where, and what barriers might be keeping individuals and families from living where they would like to live. This takes intentionality, clear guidelines, community input, and partnerships to make sure that the plan is reflective of the broad experience of a range of community members.

Needs vary depending on the community. Many under-invested communities face limited transit options, which limits the housing opportunities for people who don’t drive. Many high-opportunity areas find that gentrification is displacing long-term residents who are priced out of their homes. In almost every community throughout the state, challenges exist around housing supply and affordability.

Once needs are identified, then it’s a matter of finding realistic solutions that can be put into place. It might be landlord outreach, reviewing zoning codes for barriers to build a diversity of housing options, or engaging community members and developers about how to best meet the housing needs of residents.

This work is needed now, more than ever. As we continue to grapple with housing affordability that has very real and painful impacts on our seniors, those with disabilities, and families with children. As we face new frontiers with technology with transformative potential, but limited oversight in ensuring that bias does not become even more subtly entrenched in our decision-making. As we face significant headwinds that threaten to fracture our community ties, rather than strengthen them.

Now is the time for resolve in working for housing that meets the needs of all Pennsylvanians. Now is the time to courageously acknowledge the hard truths around our housing inequalities. Now is the time to make a plan that keeps our residents from the impossible choices between paying the rent, keeping the lights on, and buying needed medications. Now is not the time to simply check a box and call it a day. Cutting regulations without a solid plan in place may make great sound bites, but that is not what is going to bring Pennsylvania into a more prosperous future. It’s planning to fail.

Fair Housing Month

Fair Housing Month commemorates the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) provides additional protections, ensuring that individuals are not discriminated against in housing. The PHRC enforces these laws and works to eliminate housing discrimination across Pennsylvania.

Throughout April, PHRC will host and participate in multiple events to engage housing professionals, advocates, and the public in discussions on housing equality and fair housing laws.

The schedule includes:

• Trainings & Events:
• Fair Housing training with the Luzerne County Association of Realtors – April 11th
• Tenfold Housing Summit – April 14th
• Fair Housing training with SEDA-COG – April 22nd
• Fair Housing training for Realtors & Housing Providers, in partnership with the Centre County Advisory Council – April 24th
• Messiah University Annual Convening on Housing & Neighboring – April 24th
• Housing Roundtable with the Fair Housing Law Center – April 29th
• Fair Housing Empower Hour – Fair Housing Fundamentals – April 30^th (register here)
• PHRC Speaks: Fair Housing Forward (watch at 3pm on PCNtv)
• April 6^th – featured guest: Kurt Danyish, Tomorrow’s Neighbors
• April 20^th – featured guest: Caroline Griffin Eister, PHRC

These events will serve as platforms for education, dialogue, and action in advancing fair housing rights and addressing housing disparities across Pennsylvania.

Reasonable Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities

Michael Goldstein

Harrisburg Regional Office

Reasonable accommodations are essential for ensuring equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in workplaces, public accommodations, educational institutions and housing. A reasonable accommodation refers to modifications or adjustments that enable a person with a disability to perform the essential job functions, access services for public accommodations, attend school, and to use and enjoy their housing. An accommodation is reasonable if it’s relevant, effective and does not impose an undue hardship or create a safety issue.

Failure to accommodate a disability is one of the most common cases we see in Intake and is a violation of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. During the intake process, intake investigators gather information about the disability, how the disability limits a major life activity, and what accommodations are needed due to the disability to provide the Complainant with equal opportunities. We do not determine reasonableness during the intake process as that issue has to be investigated, however, the Complainant does need to explain how the accommodation is related to their disability and how it would provide them with an equal opportunity.

Examples of workplace reasonable accommodations include modifying work schedules or responsibilities, providing assistive technology, relocating an employee’s work locations, minimizing distractions and many more. However, removing an essential job function may not be reasonable.

Examples of housing reasonable accommodations include allowing a service/emotional support animals to live on the property and not be subjected to pet fees, assigning a parking space for a person with limited mobility, accepting rent later in the month based on when a tenant’s monthly check arrives and allowing a tenant to move to an available, more accessible unit.

Examples of public accommodation reasonable accommodations include effectively communicating with people with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities, removing barriers in existing buildings where it can be done without significant difficulty or expense, meeting specific requirements related to architectural standards for new and altered buildings, and providing other reasonable equal access services.

Examples of educational reasonable accommodations include extended time on exams, note-taking assistance, accessible classroom locations, recording of lectures, and use of assistive technologies.



This is not an exhaustive list of accommodations. These are just some examples of reasonable accommodations that provide equal opportunities for those with disabilities.



Ultimately, a reasonable accommodation helps to promotes equality by addressing barriers faced with individuals with disabilities. By fostering inclusivity and accessibility, it ensures that everyone has an opportunity to participate fully in society.

Upcoming PHRC Events

Dealing with Harassment & Bullying in Schools

• Thursday, April 24
• 6-8 p.m.
• Linglestown Life, 1430 N. Mountain Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112
• Register today!

PHRC Virtual Diversity Speaks

Creating Schools of Wellness

• Thursday, April 17,2025
• 1:00-2:00
• Featuring: Dr. Harrison Bailey, III, Superintendent of Schools, Wilson Area School District.
• Register for this Microsoft TEAMS webinar. 

Fair Housing Empower Hour

Fair Housing Fundamentals

Learn key information about fair housing laws in Pennsylvania, including residents' rights and housing providers' responsibilities.

• Wednesday, April 30, 2025
• 12:00-1:00 p.m.
• Register for this Microsoft TEAMS webinar.

PHRC on the Road: Building Pennsylvania's Beloved Community

Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Tioga, and Union Counties

• Wednesday, April 16
• 12:00-2:00 p.m.
• Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living of NCPA
• 24 East Third Street Williamsport, PA 17701 (virtual option too)
• Register to attend.

Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, & Somerset Counties

• Tuesday, April 22
• 12:00-2:00 p.m.
• Center for Independent Living of South Central PA 3013 Beale Avenue Altoona, PA 16601 (virtual option too)
• Register to attend.

Congratulations to PHRC Social Justice Ambassador Tiffiney Hall! Tiffiney was just named ABC27's Harrisburg's Remarkable Woman! Read more here!

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